Here in Austin, we are lucky enough to enjoy pleasant weather at least 9 months out of the year. As a homeowner, it only makes sense to take advantage of our climate by turning your backyard into an extended living space. One way to do this is building a beautiful patio, and a key component of your backyard’s headquarters is the right flooring.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose the correct flooring for your patio and lay out some particularly appropriate options for our climate in Austin:
What is Your Patio’s Purpose?
The first step in choosing outdoor flooring is to think about how you plan on using your patio. For example, do you plan on building a fire pit in your backyard? If so, it’d be wise to choose flooring that’s especially durable and heat resistant.
Conversely, you might plan on using your patio for regular dinners under the stars. In this case, you might want to choose a flooring option that makes your patio feel like an outdoor dining room.
Regardless of your patio’s primary purpose, there are some general rules to follow when selecting outdoor flooring. The following factors should give you an idea of which types of flooring work best for the outdoors, and which should be kept inside.
Durability
Your outdoor flooring should be resistant to damage from hot weather, rain, and dramatic changes in temperature. These are the kind of conditions we deal with in Austin, so every homeowner’s outdoor flooring should be prepared for them.
In addition to water and heat, certain types of flooring are highly durable to heavy foot traffic and can easily support appliances or furniture without getting chipped or cracked.
Maintenance
Between the weather and the inevitable spill, outdoor floor maintenance is an inevitability. So, your flooring should be easy to clean and preserve. Certain types of flooring are easier to clean than others, and require hardly any maintenance to keep their appearance.
Comfort
Since outdoor flooring has to be durable, it’s usually made of hard surfaces that aren’t as comfortable to stand on. You can still use these surfaces in your patio, you just might have to use rubber pads or outdoor rugs to avoid hurting your legs or back.
Our Suggestions for Outdoor Flooring
At this point, you’re ready to start looking at different flooring options. Based on key factors like durability and maintenance, here are our top recommendations for outdoor flooring in Austin’s subtropical climate:
Stone Tile
Natural stone tile – a.k.a. flagstone patio flooring – is a great choice because it’s both durable and attractive. Due to these advantages, natural stone is one of the more expensive options. Another issue to consider is that stone is porous. So, if you plan on doing a lot of cooking outside, you may want to use a sealant to protect your floors from absorbing oil and grease from your grill.
Porcelain Tile
Another highly durable option, porcelain tile is less expensive than natural stone, and doesn’t absorb as much water. If you plan on installing an outdoor kitchen or using your patio as a lounge area for your pool, you should probably consider a textured porcelain with a matte surface.
Concrete
One of the most durable materials out there, concrete is also among the cheapest options. There’s just two downsides. One, it may need some dressing up to look attractive. Two, you’ll have to hire a contractor to install it. Still, many homeowners choose concrete because of its flat surface, which makes it ideal for rolling grills around and keeping patio furniture level.
If you’re not sure which type of flooring works best for your patio, the experts at Flohr would be happy to help. No matter your needs or your budget, we can find an option that checks all of your boxes and perfectly complements your home’s aesthetic. Give us a call today and let’s start bringing your vision for your patio to life.
